Lake Wichita Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Wichita Dam, located in Wichita Falls, Texas, is a vital structure designed by Montgomery & Ward in 1901 for flood risk reduction along the Holliday Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 51 feet and a length of 10,170 feet, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply. It has a maximum storage capacity of 57,280 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1,310 acres, making it a significant water resource in the region.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 560 feet and various outlet gates for water management. Although last inspected in 2015, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated. Despite being state-regulated and inspected by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the hazard potential and emergency preparedness aspects of the dam are not available, indicating potential areas for improvement in risk management and emergency response planning.

Lake Wichita Dam's historical significance and ongoing role in flood control highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring this essential piece of infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As a key component of the local government's water management strategy, it stands as a testament to the engineering ingenuity of its designers and the critical role it plays in the community's resilience to potential water-related hazards.

Years Modified

1995 - Structural

Year Completed

1901

Dam Length

10170

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

HOLLIDAY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1310

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

143

Nid Storage

57280

Structural Height

51

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2, Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

51
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.